Though never one to make New Year’s resolutions, I’ve always set goals for myself. These ideas might seem contradictory. While I understand the natural inclination to start a clean slate each new year, we do not need to let a calendar determine what we do for ourselves.
I’m like anyone else—an imperfect person with strengths and weaknesses. One quality I like in myself is my general determination. When I make up my mind to do something, it generally gets done. I also don’t give up easily; perseverance is a strong family trait.
I’m happy in retirement; things have generally been good since I walked out of the classroom for the last time. I was able to retire on the young side due to our careful financial planning and discipline. The most significant difference has been an overall improvement in my general health. It’s not shocking that exercise and eating better have contributed. My weight and blood pressure are down. I have some arthritis, but not enough that it gets in the way of what I want to do.
My life is busy. I make time to exercise, travel, write, and volunteer in my community. Because I have the luxury of time, I try to support my friends however I can. That means helping someone move, taking those who can’t drive to their medical appointments, and always being there to lend a hand as needed.
Part of being an adult is to reassess where we’re at periodically. Are we content, or do we need to change something? I believe in taking stock and doing whatever is necessary to achieve what we want. I used to be a procrastinator, but I don’t live my life that way anymore. I’m happiest when I recognize a problem and take steps to correct it. What is more empowering than that?
While I’m not hung up on age, seeing friends and acquaintances pass reinforces that we’re only on this planet for an indeterminate amount of time. The hourglass has turned, and I want each grain of sand to pass while doing meaningful things.
One of the things I’m most determined to do is finish the two middle-grade novels I’ve been working on sporadically over the past few years. The progress has been slow and steady. While I can see my growth as a writer, I realize that I still have a fair amount of work to get my stories where they need to be.
With everything I’ve got going on in my life, I understand something must give if I’m going to complete my novels. There are still 24 hours per day, and I’m not willing to skimp on my health, family, friends, or community service efforts. After careful consideration, I’ve realized that daily blogging is one of the easiest things to eliminate that will give me the time I need.
I’ve maintained my blog for over three and a half years. During that time, I’ve made 170 posts and interacted with countless people, many that I now consider friends. One of the highlights of my year was meeting two blogging buddies (preschool teacher Jennie Fitzkee and college professor Jim Borden) in person.
I do not make this decision lightly because blogging has been a big part of my life for the past few years. During the time we were confined to staying at home when Covid began, blogging was one of the things that helped me maintain my sanity. Unlike many writers, I’m not introverted. While I still love my privacy, I am a people person. In-person human interaction provides me with joy. That feeling is reinforced each week with my volunteer work reading to seniors in assisted living.
I’m not planning on disappearing completely. I will follow through with my promises to fellow bloggers in January with the promotion of their new books. After that, I plan to blog about once a month to remind others I’m still alive. I won’t have time to read others’ blogs daily as I have been doing for quite some time, but I will continue to read and write reviews of their books. I’m convinced that regular reading is one of the best things we can do to improve as writers. I’ll drop in occasionally, but you won’t see me around nearly as often. We all have priorities, and I’m determined to finish my children’s novels and devote the time necessary to make them the best they can be.
Pete Springer 
You’re right in that reading is the best way to improve our writing. Good luck with your book, Pete.
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Thank you, Stevie. I’m out of the gates fast this year with my Goodreads challenge. I’ve already knocked out five. I hope to sustain this pace.
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I’ll miss your writing so much! I hope you change your mind and opt to dial it back instead so we can still have you checking in with us. I’ve been away myself again because of family stuff. I really missed reading your work my friend
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I’m like that guy on a bike who’s simply changing gears. You’ll still see me around. It’s the people and their writing that make blogging fun.
I’ve been volunteering at an assisted living center twice weekly for over six months reading to seniors. I was reminded today as we chatted afterward about the power of stories. The book I started today had them hooked and engaged immediately. Afterward, we sat and talked for a long time. I walked out of there with the same feeling I’ve had many times—you are in the right place doing the right thing, Pete Springer.
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I used to volunteer at a nursing home. It’s rewarding and fulfilling to connect with human beings who are often left behind and forgotten about. I want to set up a donation fund to cover the cost of my gasoline to drive and deliver flowers to people in nursing homes and hospitals. It’s on my goals list and it’s one of the more important things I want to do and achieve with my cut flower business. There were several people I’ve met in my life who’ve taught me about compassion and loneliness. There’s no greater joy than making friends of all ages and filling a void for people who need a little love in their lives.
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I’ve been reconsidering my blogging time a lot too lately, but I feel like I need some sort of a digital presence as a writer, so it’s a necessary evil. The writing and interacting is pretty fun. It’s the daily admin thing that bogs me down. Great on you for knowing what you want. I’m grateful that you still decided to stop by my site despite taking time away from blogging!
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I’ve reduced my presence on blogs quite a bit this month, so take that as a compliment. I like interacting with other people, but it’s time to get to the finish line.
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I like that you are being proactive about your time. And here I thought I would be able to devote more time to blogging once I retire! maybe that won’t be the case.
I wish you the best with working on your novels.
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What I pictured retirement being and what it’s turned out to be have been two different things. That’s not to say it’s been bad because I love my life. It’s a rare day when I don’t have something going on. On the other hand, I like to be busy as long as that doesn’t mean I’m required to go to work each day. The joke among my retired brothers and me is, “How did we ever find the time to work?”
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I am sure you would love your life no matter what you are up to. I hope my retirement is just as enjoyable.
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Dashing and well written blog post Pete. I agree everyone has urgent priorities that need to be attended to and I am inspired about the length of time you have maintained your blog 3 and a half years is a long period, my blog turns 3 years this year , I began writing it in 2020 and it has transformed my life it has given me a skill I love to do.
I am happy that you volunteer and want to make best use of your time by being there for those that matter to you that is your family and friends, that’s admirable.
Also, I like the use of the hour glass image inserted in this post and I too want to use my time wisely before the sand on the hour glass drops down. 👏👏
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Congratulations on your three years, Mthobisi. I encourage others to look for areas they’d like to volunteer in. The beauty of volunteering is we can always walk away if something isn’t the right fit. It’s a win-win for me. I feel good helping others, and it’s good for one’s self-esteem. Thanks for dropping by. I’ll check out your blog.
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Exactly Pete😊🙏
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I wish you success in getting those novels finished and published, Pete. I look forward to reading them.
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We have those things in our lives that we want to accomplish, and this is one for me. I’ll bet most people can relate to that feeling. You won’t see me as much, but we’ll stay in touch, Norah.
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We sure will, Pete. I’ve pulled back a bit too, undecided about my plans for the year. Best wishes for your year.
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Blogging is what you make of it. Do it your way and you’ll be happy. That’s been my approach for all these years. Good luck with your novels. Seize ‘ya when I seize ‘ya!
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Absolutely! It’s not like I’ve got one foot in the grave, but I can’t be pussyfooting around with this forever. This is important to me. I have no illusions that I will become rich or famous—it’s never been about that. Instead, I’m determined to finish what I’ve started. I’ll see you around, Ally. Keep up your great content!
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Since it is so hard to ever completely exit the Blogosphere, I think you are wise to step away for periods of time to pursue big goals. I try to do that myself. The Blogosphere will still be here whenever you drop in.
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I recall that you stepped away with what sounded like a retirement farewell. Lucky for us, we still have you around to entertain us. If you get restless herding grandchildren around and you’re a glutton for punishment, there’s always politics.😎
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Congratulations, Pete! It sounds a little bit like you are a bit more busy like in job. 😉 But you love it, and it is a sequel to your former professional work. This is the best! Be well, and stay save! xx Michael
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I’ve figured out there are two kinds of busy. Type 1 is where we’re like a rat on an exercise wheel. One would think that by running faster, we’d be able to catch up. Instead, it feels like we’re stuck in the same place as we slowly wear down. Type 2 (the place I’m at most of the time) is that sweet spot where I’ve got a lot going on, but it doesn’t feel like work because it involves everything I like doing. The trick is finding that balance of caring for my needs while always making time for my family, friends, and community.
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks for your regular support with the reblogs, Michael.
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Blogging takes a lot of time, Pete, and cutting back is a great way to reclaim hours. I love how you assess your priorities and then honor them. I’m making small changes to my blogging schedule too. Also to free up more time for other things I want to and need to do. Enjoy your expanded writing time, and I wish you much success in the new year! Hugs.
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You probably should be teaching a class in time management skills with all you have going on, my friend. We all have plenty of things to deal with in our personal lives besides our careers or hobbies. Being an adult sometimes means making tough choices. I hope you had a restful break and wish you a joyous 2023, Diana.
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Ha! I felt so frantic last year, Pete. I’m glad it didn’t show. I’m aiming for less chaos in 2023, and that will mean cutting back on a few things (like you). We have to be willing to change in order to grow and find contentment. 😀
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Hi Pete, I think you’re doing the right thing – a blog such as you’ve been doing is just about a full-time job, and so is writing a novel – I’m sure you’ll get the balance right.
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Blogging can seem like a full-time job if you let yourself go down that road. While I love to read, I will put much of that time into reading others’ novels more than their blogs. Here’s hoping you’re all healed up and feeling like yourself again in 2023, Toni.
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Thank you so much, Pete
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Good for you Pete. Priorities! But I’m glad you won’t completely vanish and will still be spotted occasionally on blogs. I’ve come to learn that blogging has a great connection with our book marketing too. Blogging is also like a pub, when there’s a lull in our life and we’re looking for a familiar face, we can find our friends at blogs.
Good luck with your two books, and Happy New Year ❤
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It’s not in my nature to just leave a place without closure. I had that happen a few times in my teaching career, and students suddenly moved without having a chance to say goodbye. It felt sad every time. In this case, I’ll check in occasionally because I consider many of my online friends are still friends. I’m looking forward to reading your new book. Enjoy Mexico, and we’ll chat on the flip-flop.
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Thanks so much Pete, love ‘the flip flop’ lol. But I do know what you are saying, and glad you won’t be totally AWOL. 🙂
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Gosh.
Blogging every day! I am in awe.
Good luck with your books.
I must admit with everything else sometimes it is difficult to focus on what you need to say or do.
I have two books chapter books part written and need to give these some time to focus and develop them.
I’m still writing other stories along the way and write a few blogs.
I need also to spend a bit more time reading books. (I am currrently reading one of yours)
Time to read, yep that’s something I really need to do.
Good luck.
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I probably average only 3-4 posts a month, but I follow many other bloggers, which takes up the bulk of that blogging time.
I knew you wrote for a younger audience, but I thought all of your books were picture books. Much luck to you with your chapter books. It’s funny because I no longer just read books for entertainment, though that will always be a part of why I like to read. I find myself looking at the craft of writing much closer and paying attention to the intricacies of how authors tell a story now.
I only wrote the one teaching book. That was never part of the plan. It was more about giving back to a profession that was so good to me. Writing books for MG, the age I know best from teaching, has always been the goal.
Perhaps this isn’t a fair question, Sue, but which of your books do you consider your favorite? I’d like to pick that up.
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I know what you mean about reading all the blogs from others and agree with you about Sally Cronin’s blogs as there is certainly a range of articles.
I’m reading your ‘they call me mom ‘ book.
I’m a bit slow as I get distracted, but I will read it as I’m sure it will resonate with me.
As to my favourite book?
They are all for so many different reasons.
My latest two relate to my brother when he was little and the games he played.
He was a funny imaginative little boy – poor him he had 5 moms ( mum and 4 sisters).
I’m sure like you, as a teacher, I would write alongside or inspire children’s writing.
The ‘weather witch’ is a story I have told for so long and it’s the story I need to develop.
As an indie author it’s just a slow process.
But we just keep going don’t we.
Look forward to hearing how you get on.
P. S. Prince Charles ( now King Charles) , was sent a copy of ‘Jay-Jay and the Carnival ‘ for the Queens platinum jubilee.
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Yes, ‘keep going’ is always a sound strategy. What alternative do we have? No rush about reading my book. I see that you are on Sally’s blog today. I’ve got to finish a few others things up first, but I’ll be heading over before the day is out. I’ll pick up the one she is recommending. Stay in touch, Sue, and keep writing!
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Bravo to you Pete, for following your heart. I decided to leave Twitter late last year, and I’m so glad I did. It was a total time-suck… and as you know, our time is precious. Take care of you and I look forward to your books when you’ve finished writing them. Happy New Year!
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I never understood the attraction of Twitter, though some people swear by it. Deciding how best to spend our time in all aspects of life will always be there, which is undoubtedly also true in the writing world. It’s easy to go down a lot of rabbit holes. Hope your year is filled with many blessings, Colleen.
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Thank you, Pete. I wish all the same for you.
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Very wise, Pete. Good luck with your novels, and we’ll be keeping track of your progress. Happy 2023!
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Thank you very much, Olga. Life is a series of decisions and figuring out what’s most important to us. Best of luck to you with your writing in 2023 and beyond.
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Happy New Year, Pete. We are all faced with making some hard decisions about where we put our time and energy. You do what you have to. I am here to support you on your journey. For me, I will be cutting back on my obsessiveness to answer every comment on Twitter and Facebook. It will be catch as catch can. I don’t think I’ll see a drop in sales or followers, and I need to manage my time more productively. Best wishes, always!
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I’m sure you have far more rabbit holes to go down than I do, Jan. I’ll bet you’re doing the right thing for yourself.
I’m determined to meet my goals while also keeping my life balanced. I like being busy, but I’m super conscious of not overextending myself again as I did while I taught.
I hope you have a happy and healthy new year.
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I just read your comment above to Nancy, and wanting to create stories that your grandchildren can read rings deep inside me as the best reason in the world. What a feeling that will be. You’ve already accomplished amazing things with your blog and your special way of connecting with people; we all know that you will succeed. I wish you the best as you spring forward (pun intended :)) to focus on publishing goals full-time (or almost full-time.) We’ll miss you around here, but I get that there are only so many hours in a day! Looking forward to the new Springer stories! 🙂
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Many of us are reluctant to state those goals aloud. In that respect, I’m a private person. Yet, I pride myself on being honest. It’s what attracts me to blogs like yours, where people write about things that the rest of us can identify with.
Your stories about your challenges with your mom hit home with me because I lived them. My experiences are one of the reasons I volunteer at assisted living today. I also admired how you dealt with your cancer treatments with honesty and class. It would be easy to be bitter, yet you embraced a much more positive approach that has served you well and given you a greater appreciation for life.
I can’t disappear from the blogs completely because of the friendships I’ve made. There will always be a place for human connection. I wish you and your family the best in 2023, Melanie.
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Thank you for your kind words that you see and connect with the honesty in my posts. I may have shared more than necessary at times, but I’ve always tried to paint a full picture, and I’m ok with that. I definitely connect with your highly-relatable posts as well. But we also throw in some humor from time to time, which is a big connection with you as well. 😂 You have such a special year ahead, I also wish all wonderful things for you and your family in 2023.
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I quite understand your decision Pete and the sense of completion when you have finished you two books will be well worth it. I am glad that you will be around from time to time and apart from missing your posts, it will also be good to keep your seat warm for when you come to market your books. Have an amazing year and I know you have a special celebration coming up in the summer and look forward to seeing you when you have time.. hugsx
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I had no idea what I was doing when I started blogging. Like anything, I learned by doing and modeling others with more experience. I cannot remember how I stumbled onto your site, but you took me under your wing and provided a lot of guidance. I know I’ve made this comment before, but you are truly a blogging ambassador for how to conduct ourselves and support each other. I’ve tried to implement many of the lessons you’ve taught, albeit on a much smaller scale. I will most definitely pay it forward. Here’s to 2023 and beyond, my friend!
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Thank you so much Pete you are very kind and I am delighted if I have in any way helped you along the way. Looking forward to showcasing your books when they are available…The only way is up… as they say.. hugsxx
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Good luck, Pete! You’ll still be more prolific than me!
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Thanks, Nancy. Others can be prolific; I’ll settle for finishing what I started with the intention of having something that my grandchildren can one day read. This Springer determination gene runs pretty deep, and it’s time to finish what I started.
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Good for you, Pete. You are organized and passionate about what you do. You must write those books, and stepping away from blogging will give you time to do that. Thank goodness your priorities are in the right order, and you’re putting family, health, helping others, and of course reading aloud at the senior center, ahead of blogging.
My highlight of 2022 was meeting you and having you in my classroom!! Thank you for including me in this blog post! I’m so glad we connected. More than you know. Friends for life.
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You know you’re not getting rid of me that easily, my friend. I would be honored to read one of your picture books to my grandchildren. (Talk about getting the cart before the horse talking about grandchildren.)😊 You must know that while I won’t blog as much, I’ll continue to follow yours. You are everything good about teaching, Jennie.
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Well, this made me smile, my friend 😀. I have SO many book recommendations for your future grandchildren. As to my children’s books, I have been encouraged to put them aside and write my memoirs. While I hate that word (it’s a ‘me’ word), I need to write all my stories and how they flowed and grew over the years and became the best teaching- Gloria, quilts, etc. I found a fabulous lit agent site, AgentQuery, and over the school winter break I will be nailing the query and finding an agent. After the memoirs/stories are written, the children’s books (already written) will follow. Whew! Sorry about giving you the long version. Happy writing, and check out that agent site, there’s a lot of ‘how to’ there. I know you won’t be blogging much, and I thank you for reading mine. Thank you for your kind and reassuring words, Pete!
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Yes, I’m familiar with AgentQuery. I started down that road a little bit with QueryTracker but pulled back when I realized my novels still weren’t ready. That’s the goal now—to get them as good as they can be.
I’d like you to stop thinking of writing a memoir as egotistical. You have so much wisdom to offer, and you’d be providing others a service. Your experience counts. I’ve often described you as “a teacher of teachers.” It only took a couple of visits to your blog for me to think, “This teacher knows what she’s doing.” If you haven’t considered serving as a mentor teacher in retirement (Shh—I didn’t say that dirty word), please do. In the meantime, I know you’re first love is children, and you will continue to impact many.
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I liked how AgentQuery wrote about the query letter- 3 paragraphs, each with a purpose, short and to the point. No fluff. I’m really excited for you, Pete. Really!
Thank you, and I know you are right, a memoir is not egotistical. I need to get over that. I have so much to share, which is the reason I started a blog. Putting everything into a book will feel like sharing ‘the best of the best’. I love mentoring teachers! My classic line after I tell them a story is, “Stick with me, I have lots to share.” 😀 At least one more year in me, Pete. Your words are so appreciated and revered. “A teacher of teachers” is on a post-it note.
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I have come back to your post a couple of times, Pete, because you have opened a conversation on how do we express our creativity within a complex world that offers seemingly unlimited possibilities and opportunities. The caveat, of course, is time. What do we want to do and accomplish within a diminishing resource? I agree, we need to take a pause to reflect on where we are and what our journey is to be. While some consider and write down goals, others are more flexible and let things just happen. There is a scale between the two that we attempt to balance. Perhaps that is the joy of living – the attempting, the seeking, the experiencing.
I am pleased that you are following your writing path and look forward to hearing about what comes next for you. What I love most about blogging – you never leave, because your posts continue beyond the date they were written.
All the very best in your endeavours. Happy New Year!
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The beauty of this whole experience is finding our path. I’m still figuring that out, but I trust my heart on this one. I’ll continue to check in and listen to your podcasts. Thanks for your wide diversity of topics. I wish you and Don the best in 2023 and future years. I know we’ll stay in touch, Rebecca.
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Absolutely we will! Looking forward to your return visit on TTT to share your thoughts on find our path. We are on a grand adventures.
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Hi, Pete. I’m wishing you all the best with those two books (and more after that)! I fully understand where you’re coming from. The job change I had over the summer has severely cut into my time and has left little room for blogging or writing. I’ve been trying to juggle the two but it’s rough and my blogging has really suffered. I feel the same about my writing. I’m hoping to find some balance in 2023. I’m not sure where I’m headed with that yet, but your post has inspired me.
Wishing you all the best and much success!
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I hope you can continue to find the time to write, Mae. You are a talented writer. I know it’s those kinds of creative endeavors that feed the soul. It took retirement to get my life in balance again, and I’m not giving that up.
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Good for you. I’ve got a few years yet to retirement, but I’m already weighing options!
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This is such a wise – and almost brave – decision, Pete. And I know it doesn’t come easy to let go of blogging a bit. I’m in the same situation as you. My life is too busy and for years, I’ve felt the pressure about my “online commitments,” which are mostly to myself, that’s the irony of it. I often have thought that if I could reduce the blogging part of my life, it would create less pressure, less guilt, and more time for reading books for example.
Yet, like in your situation, blogging has been important for me. I’ve been doing it pretty much weekly since 2007. It’s part of my identity, yet, it takes a big chunk out of my “real life,” which, now that we are in South America, exploring, driving, walking, meeting people, doesn’t leave much room for computer stuff. But there are so many experiences, stories, and tips to share… Blogging once a month might work for me, but the posts would be waaaaay too long, as so much happens here every single day.
Like you, I’ll have to find a balance. Maybe 2023 is the year to finally do so!
Happy New Year to you and your family, and I wish you success with the completion of your Nobels.
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Yes, the old joke between my retired brothers and me is how did we ever find the time to work? Even though I’ve got a lot of irons in the fire, it’s a good kind of busy. I know yours is one of the blogs I’ll continue to follow. Of course, I want to hear about life in South America, and I don’t want to wait for your next novel for that. Much luck to you, Mark, Maya, and even thirsty Bella. 😊
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Thanks, Pete. We’ve only been back on the (South American) road for three weeks and there are already a few book-worthy stories to tell… 🙂
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Writing does take commitment. I will miss your input, as will others. Take care
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I’m still learning a ton, but it’s the kind of thing I find stimulating. Even in my 60s, I still like to learn. I’m sure you’ll still see me around. It’s time to bump up your yearly reading challenge on Goodreads.
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Yes, learning is a lifelong adventure. The best education I received was being a teacher. As for my reading challenge I finished out at 155 books read. Whew! I need to write a couple, so maybe I will have to find a balance🤨
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Yep. I get it.
Go forth and write!
2023 is opening up for me in exciting ways also – several slices of a ‘new normal’ I’m happy to walk through, even if I’m a bit rusty due to COVID stuff. I think you’re right about how our blogging community saved us (me) from going crazy during 2020/2021 but now – time management needs to be reconsidered.
Feel free to drop me an email if you need diversion from your (he)artistic exploits!
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Thanks, Laura. I’d love to hear what you’ve got going on as well. I have listened to and enjoyed your CD several times. I’m sure we’ll stay in touch and run across each other occasionally.
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Happy New Year & Happy Writing those novels, Pete! 💞
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Thanks, Bette. My best to you and your family in 2023.
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DITTO!
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I have certainly enjoyed your blog posts and hope you will share one with us every now and then. I wish you good luck in completing your novels. Sometimes something has to give. Personally, I don’t think it is necessary to post every day or every week for that matter. Your posts are always well thought out so I imagine they take a certain amount of time. Happy New Year and all the best for 2023! I’m sure we’ll be hearing about your new books by the end of the year.
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As an experienced blogger like you knows, sometimes our posts don’t take that much time. Yet, to grow an audience and engage with others, we must spend a lot of time reading others’ blogs. While I enjoy that, it is time-consuming, and I’ve decided it’s time to let go of that if I want to meet my goals.
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Completely understand. xo
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Have at it Pete; it’s what you want it to be, after all. And if you ever make it across the pond, be sure to let me know!
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I’m taking my cues from guys like you, Geoff, who’ve had previous careers and gotten into writing later in life. I’m guessing this appeals more to your creative side since the law is more cut and dry, though I suppose lawyers are known for innovative ways of twisting the rules to serve their clients’ purposes.
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It seemed to me that, during my legal career I spent years developing a style to send people to sleep so they’d not notice the sneaky clauses I was slipping in and now I try to keep them awake…
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Hey, Pete. I will miss your posts but think concentrating on your writing is most important (along with your health) Best wishes on this new journey. I look forward to the times when you can post.
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I’ll most definitely be checking in from time to time on your blog. My favorites from your posts are the John Ku Friday good news and keeping up with the dogs on their weekly adventures.
By the way, I haven’t forgotten you. I’m still planning on giving The Last Drive a big shoutout on Jan. 3rd.
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If you could send me the link and time I’ll be able to co-ordinate the post from my site to generate traffic at yours. 😁
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Lots of truth here, Pete. Thanks for centering me for the new year!
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Guess what I’m reading right now? 😊 I’ll see you on Jan. 18th, Jacqui.
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Sounds like a good plan Pete. Happy New Year and good luck with your writing.
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Best of luck to you, Jenn. You win the award for best handle—Bitchy After 60. I’ll still be around occasionally to read more tales from (your term, not mine) the bitch.😊
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Sounds like you’ve been thinking about this for a while. You need to do what works for you, and blogging is time consuming, so you probably made the right choice. As sad as I will be to see you around more often, I am grateful to have “met” you and I am proud to be your friend regardless of your blogging status. Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy new year!
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We’ve been following each other’s blogs for quite some time. I have traveled with you and Tony vicariously through many of your travels. You retired during a friggin’ pandemic! Can you wrap your brain around that? I know that you’ll continue to enjoy life and all it holds. If I haven’t told you this before, I always loved your term for the dogs—”the hostages.”🤣
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Haha, the term was for the kids, not the dogs, but yeah, it seemed to work at the time!
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Happy New Year, Pete. I’ll miss your regular comments on my posts but absolutely respect that you, like all of us, should do what is best for you. I’ll be looking forward to those occasional posts when you get to them 😊
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When Tuesdays roll around, I know I’ll be thinking about what tunes you’re spinning. You’re like a professional DJ. Though not nearly as informed about music as you, it brings me joy daily. I suspect you’ll still see me quite a bit over at Take It Easy.
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Thank you, Pete, that’s very kind of you. I hope you can find time to visit, as I enjoy hearing your thoughts on what I’ve played. Just so you know, I’ll be posting tomorrow but not on Tuesday, for a reason that will be explained. Regular service will be resumed after that, including Sundays.
If you’re celebrating tonight I hope you have fun. HNY 😊
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Probably not much celebrating around here. I obviously knew the end of the year was approaching, but it took me a second to realize it was here TODAY! Okay, I’ll check in tomorrow to look for that explanation.
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It has rather crept up on me too, probably because it has never really been something I’ve celebrated, either. See you tomorrow 😊
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Hi, Pete. I am very glad to hear that you have decided to focus on finishing your two novels. That said, I’m glad you will still put up a new blog post from time to time to let us know how you’re doing. I, too, will miss your peterspringer wisdom!
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I will miss the daily interaction with people like you, Liz. You are a talented writer, yet too modest to toot your own horn. I look forward to following you with your future projects.
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Thank you very much, Pete. Your comment means a lot to me.
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Best of luck with your writing Pete. With your determination, I have no doubt you will get your novels finished.
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As a grandparent, perhaps you can appreciate my dream that this is my opportunity to leave something behind for my grandchildren.
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That is awesome.
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For what it’s worth Pete, I think you’ve made the right decision. I enjoy blogging but I have been given opportunities with a big theatre in the heart of Liverpool city centre and I have my song-writing which I love and want to get better at, so I decided not to try compromise those two much higher priorities to squeeze in two or three blogs a month.
Obviously your book writing has been nagging away at you enough to bring you to this decision, and I’m glad you have listened to that voice. We will enjoy your monthly blog just as much as those before, and those who do enjoy them won’t suddenly stop following you.
Good luck with your books – grab your passion with both hands!
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I’m glad that you shared your theatre opportunity with me. That makes me happy because I know how important music and theatre are to you. At this stage of life (not exactly two feet in the grave, but also unwilling to waste more time), I feel like this is what I’m supposed to do. Writing is simply my new form of teaching; it’s what gets me excited to get up in the morning while still knowing that I’ve got to work at it. Guys like us appreciate the journey as much as the final result.
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Very well said Pete, a lot of people don’t complete the journey because rejections and doubt can make it a tough one. But that also makes it feel so much better when we, hopefully, make it all the way through.
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I am sure your decision to step away from blogging has been well thought out, and approached with due diligence. I wish you great success with whatever you choose to do instead, and hope to be around when you reappear from time to time.
Best wishes as always, Pete.
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I think we’ve felt the same feelings for other bloggers who have suddenly disappeared without any word. We’re left wondering if they’ve passed or had a family situation that caused them to step away. I could never do that without some closure. I’ve enjoyed so many of your serials over the years, Pete, and I’m sure I’ll still be by on occasion to find out what’s happening with you and Ollie.
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Pete, of course I have mixed emotions on this. on one hand, selfishly, I’ll miss you sharing your wisdom, humor, and human experience on a regular basis, but as a fellow human and friend, I understand and support what you’ve said here. keep your eye on your priorities, it’s human to have them change over time, and important to follow what you know them to be. life is so short, as we learn more and more, in growing older. I wish you well on your books, you were born to write, and speak and interact, and I look forward to seeing you drop by occasionally to keep us posted and drop a few hints of wisdom as they come. best of luck on this next chapter, my friend.
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Though I’ve obviously never seen you teach, I know we would have connected as educators because we share many of the same beliefs. Teachers come in all shapes and sizes; frankly, some should be doing something else. You, on the other hand, have a special nurturing talent. I hope to be a grandparent someday, and you are the kind of teacher I hope my grandchildren have. I’m sure you’ll soak up every bit of your last couple of years. I walked away at precisely the right time, and now I’m trusting my gut with this latest decision.
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Thank you for your kind words and I trust my gut as well, more so with every year
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Pete, you have been a constant source of inspiration and support. Though I will miss seeing you as often, I fully understand and support you goal to finish those two books and the ones that follow. You have been a great friend and will remain so. I wish you the best of luck as you focus on your other works and am here for you if there is anything I can do. Thank you for being exactly who you are!
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The notion that I would become friends with a poet would have seemed laughable to me before I started blogging, as I’ve never owned a book of poetry. You’ve helped me develop a greater respect for it with your keen insights and ability to magically put words together.
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Thank you, Pete! I am lucky to call you a friend!
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I like your thinking, Pete and I am also stepping back from blogging every day as I need… no I want to finish my two cookbooks mainly because I wish to leave a legacy something for my children and grandchildren to remember me for…Family health wise it has been a tough 18 months and it looks like at least some of next year will not be any better…I wish you well with your books, Pete and look forward to seeing you around on occasions…Happy New Year 🙂
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I can appreciate the desire to leave behind a legacy for your grandchildren, Carol. I’ve always wanted to contribute something positive to the world, not only to my family but to future generations. I know you share these same sentiments, as many of your posts are about the future of our planet. Much luck completing your cookbooks, my friend.
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Thank you, Pete I wish you much luck too, Pete as we embark on our similar journey and yes the future of the planet is close to my heart …I hope you and your family have a successful year ahead and realise your dreams 🙂
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Hi Pete, I am sorry you won’t be around much going forward. I enjoy blogging, it is one of my hobbies so I always make time for it, but I don’t spend much time with real people as I prefer my virtual friends who I have so much more in common with. Wishing you all the best with the completion of your two children’s books.
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It’s been an interesting journey thus far. I discovered a whole new world I knew nothing about and met some cool people in the process. I’m the kind of person who listens to his heart, and this is what it’s telling me I need to do.
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Writing does take time. Not only the actual writing, but thinking, imagining, and letting the mind work unsupervised (which may look like you’re just sitting there staring into space). So it makes sense to rearrange your priorities. I’m glad you’re not leaving the blogosphere entirely, though.
Good luck finishing the two novels!
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Thanks for all of the interesting discussion surrounding elements of writing, Audrey. Maybe I can finally make a dent in my Kindle. I know I’ve got two of your books waiting for me in the mass.
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I’m glad to hear my posts are of interest, Pete, and that you have a couple of my books queued up!
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Do what you need to do Pete. You will be missed, but it will be good to get some peterspringer wisdom every once in a while.
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Haha—Springer wisdom. Not sure those two words go together. I’ll continue to check in and see where you’re traveling, John.
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